Important Links

WBFN has operated a number of different education programs over the years to foster the interests of young people in the natural world and enhance their knowledge of the environment. In December 2003 the WBFN Executive enacted a program whereby local Port Hope and Cobourg elementary and secondary schools could apply for up to $250 for a nature-based project. Important changes were made in 2008 expanding our range of schools to include all of Northumberland County and increasing the number of $250 awards to three from two.

Deadline For Application: January 31, 2019

Application forms for this year's award program can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.

Willow Beach Field Naturalists Education Award Winners 2016

The 2016 WBFN Education Awards were presented to three successful applicants in April.

Cobourg Collegiate Institute was awarded funds to support a Learning and Life Skills class growing pollinator plants in the greenhouse, producing educational material about pollinators and building solitary bee structures.

Northumberland Christian School in Cobourg is creating an outdoor theatre space, classroom and aboriginal awareness location. The planting of the area will be based on the Black Oak Savannah habitat that is native to the Rice Lake Plains area.

East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton is using funds to secure a keynote speaker for National Aboriginal Awareness Week, who will inform students about the traditional connection to the land, waterfowl and animals through dance in song.

Applications from Northumberland County elementary and secondary schools are accepted at the end of January. Funds are awarded for support of school environment/stewardship or related club activities, assistance with purchasing resources for environmental education curriculum, help with school naturalization projects, recognition of special contributions made by students in any environmental or nature-related school activity, support for school nature-related or environmental advocacy activities that would benefit students, or other environment/nature-related activity.

The presentation to Cobourg Collegiate Institute was made by WBFN Member Gina Brouwer to Learning and Life Skills teacher Carolyn Oster, and students.

The presentation to Northumberland Christian School was made by WBFN Member Gina Brouwer to Wilma Van Barneveld, Administrative Assistant, and students.